The Colour Of Magic

The very first novel in the expansive and enchanting Discworld series, The Colour Of Magic by Terry Pratchett, introduces readers to a brilliantly imaginative universe. This seminal work in the Wizards series has been revamped with a fresh and bold look, enticing a new generation of fantasy enthusiasts.

The Colour Of Magic is named as one of the BBC's 100 Most Inspiring Novels, a testament to its enduring charm and the brilliance of Pratchett’s storytelling.

In the Discworld, a flat planet carried through space on the backs of four giant elephants, which themselves stand on the shell of the giant star turtle, Great A'Tuin, everything feels familiar yet amusingly different. The story pivots around a magical substance known as 'octarine'—the colour of magic itself, alive, glowing, and vibrant; it is the pigment of the imagination.

Discworld operates under its own unique set of rules, but some things remain universally constant. The peace and prosperity of the land unexpectedly rest upon the survival of its very first tourist, Twoflower. This seemingly harmless visitor is accompanied by his loyal and dangerous sapient pearwood chest, The Luggage. The delicate task of keeping Twoflower out of harm’s way falls to Rincewind, a wizard of questionable competence whose magical prowess is as effective as his ability to cast spells, which is virtually non-existent.

Rincewind and Twoflower’s adventures see them encounter a host of characters and face numerous perils, from bloodthirsty robbers to mercenaries, and even Death himself. Their journey is a comedic, satirical exploration of both Discworld and the recognisable absurdities of our own world.

The novel deftly holds a distorting mirror to reality, filled with Pratchett's hallmark wit, philosophical insights, and cleverly constructed narratives. As noted by The Times, "Pratchett uses his other world to hold up a distorting mirror to our own."

The Colour Of Magic is the first book in the Wizards series, but each of the Discworld novels stands on its own. Whether you're a newcomer to Discworld or revisiting the series, you can dive in and read the novels in any order.

Bursting with magic, humour, and unforgettable characters, The Colour Of Magic is an essential read for fantasy lovers and anyone looking to lose themselves in a uniquely enchanting world.